Meralco nuke scholars get France training

Dominant electricity distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) plans to send scholars to Université Paris-Saclay (UPS) in France next year to enhance expertise and drive research in nuclear energy.

The company said on Thursday that the initiative aligns with Meralco’s vision of integrating nuclear energy into the national power mix.

The program, part of the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) initiative, aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators by equipping local professionals with advanced skills and knowledge in nuclear technology.

France institutions visited

Meralco’s leadership team, led by executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, recently visited France to engage with leading nuclear institutions, including Électricité de France, the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission.

Meralco is targeting the establishment of an operational nuclear power plant in the Philippines by 2028, potentially within President Marcos’ administration.

The company recently completed a pre-feasibility study identifying five potential sites for nuclear power development. This has paved the way for a more in-depth and formal study to move the initiative forward.